FOOTBALL FANS TOLD: STAY AWAY
SWANSEA City have issued a public message urging fans to stay away from their first-leg Championship play-off semifinal with Brentford this evening. Steve Cooper’s Swans leapfrogged Nottingham Forest in dramatic fashion on Wednesday to claim sixth spot in the Championship table.
They are now three games away from potentially making a return to the Premier League.
But, given the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, Swansea have issued a statement urging fans not to venture to the Liberty Stadium today before, during or after the game.
A club statement said: “The club is also asking fans to stay safe by following Welsh Government Covid guidelines, and not gather in groups in any public places, such as pubs, unless adhering to social distancing rules.
“All EFL clubs are encouraging supporters to stay away and tune in to all remaining 2019-20 matches from home, with Sunday’s live Sky Sports fixture being played behind closed doors with the safety of fans, club personnel and frontline services the principal priority.
“The Liberty Stadium will be in lockdown with no access to supporters in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus and support the campaign message: ‘When we play, please stay away’.”
South Wales Police will be in attendance to assist club stewards in controlling the Liberty Stadium perimeter.
“We would like to thank the Jack Army for their support in this request”, the statement added.
The warning has followed a week which saw thousands of fans gather outside Anfield as Liverpool celebrated lifting the Premier League trophy and there were similar scenes outside Elland Road as Leeds United hoisted the Championship trophy.